Developer: Rocket-Engine Co., Ltd
Publisher: ININ Games
Genre: Shoot-em-Up, Arcade
Price: $29.99 -$49.99
Release Date: Dec 15th, 2025
Where to buy: ININ, Nintendo, Sony, Steam
If you’ve spent any time in the niche world of “cute ’em ups,” you likely know that Trouble Witches is a staple. Originally an arcade title that found its way to consoles over a decade ago, the series has returned with Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01: Daughters of Amalgam. This isn’t just a simple port; it’s an expansive “final” celebration of the series’ mechanics, charm, and chaotic energy that stands out in the modern shmup landscape.
The Hook: Magic and Money
At its core, Trouble Witches differentiates itself from standard bullet-hells through its unique Magic Card System. Unlike games where you simply dodge and fire, here you deploy a Magic Circle that slows down any projectiles entering its radius. If you manage to destroy an enemy while their bullets are trapped inside this circle, those projectiles instantly transform into gold coins. This creates a satisfying risk-versus-reward loop where you are encouraged to let bullets get dangerously close to maximize your wealth. Between waves, you visit Pumpkin’s Shop to spend that gold on magic cards, which grant temporary power-ups like multi-directional shots or defensive shields.
What’s New in the FINAL! Edition
The “FINAL!” moniker isn’t just for show, as this version is packed with content that makes previous iterations feel like demos. The game features a massive roster of over ten playable characters, including newcomers like Conon, each possessing unique movement speeds and familiar spirits that drastically change how you approach a stage. This version also introduces the Daughters of Amalgam scenario, adding new story beats that flesh out the whimsical, often absurd lore of the witch world. While it retains the classic 2.5D aesthetic, the visual polish is evident in the sharper backgrounds and a rock-solid framerate that remains stable even when the screen is literally buried in gold coins.
To help you master the game’s massive roster, here is a breakdown of the primary witches and their unique mechanical strengths. Each character is defined by their Familiar (the spirit that follows them) and how their Magic Circle behaves, which dictates your strategy for collecting gold.
Prunel and Cotton
As the primary protagonist, Prunel is the most balanced character in the game. Her movement speed is moderate, and her Familiar, a small dragon, fires straightforward shots that are easy to manage. She is the perfect choice for learning enemy patterns because her Magic Circle has a standard radius and duration. Cotton, a guest character from the legendary Success series, plays similarly but brings her iconic “Will-o’-Wisp” style of fire. Choosing Cotton is more than just a cameo; her specialized movement feels slightly weightier, making her a favorite for players who prefer precision over speed.
Aqua and Siniesta
If you prefer a defensive playstyle, Aqua is the standout choice. She is a water-based witch whose shots have a slight “homing” or wide-spread quality depending on the version. Her Magic Circle is particularly forgiving, often lasting a fraction longer than others, which allows you more time to convert bullets into coins. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Siniesta, the ice witch. Siniesta is built for power. Her shots are incredibly strong but more focused, meaning you have to be more accurate with your positioning. She is excellent for boss rushes where raw damage output is more important than screen coverage.
Chieri and the High-Speed Specialists
Chieri is often considered a “technical” character. She is exceptionally fast, which is a double-edged sword; while you can zip across the screen to collect falling coins, it is much easier to accidentally collide with a stray bullet. Her familiar provides a unique fire pattern that requires a bit of “aiming” through movement. These high-speed characters are generally reserved for veteran players who have memorized the stage layouts and know exactly where they need to be before the enemies even appear.
Conon and the New Generation
Introduced specifically to bolster the FINAL! roster, Conon offers a fresh take on the game’s mechanics. Her fire rate and the way her Magic Circle expands provide a different rhythm compared to the legacy characters. Playing as the newer “Daughters of Amalgam” characters often feels like playing a remixed version of the game, as their shot types are designed to handle the increased enemy density found in the new Episode 01 stages.
Performance and Accessibility
One of the greatest strengths of this title is its scalability. For beginners, the inclusion of a Very Easy mode and the ability to buy health and shields makes it one of the most approachable shooters for newcomers. Conversely, higher difficulty tiers and the quest for high scores via Star Coin multipliers provide the depth needed to satisfy genre purists. While the screen can occasionally become so cluttered that it is difficult to spot smaller “suicide bullets” on higher difficulties, and the story remains largely secondary to the arcade action, the game is a masterclass in personality-driven shooters. It perfectly balances the frantic tension of a bullet hell with the tactical satisfaction of an in-game economy.
Ultimately, Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01: Daughters of Amalgam stands as a vibrant, high-energy tribute to the genre, offering enough mechanical depth and character variety to ensure that every magical flight through its chaotic skies feels fresh and rewarding.
